Barbie took her start in 1959 and sold for only $3.00. The doll was loved not only by young children, but also for some adults who collect them. For other adults, however, the doll is criticized for her unrealistic body figure. While this frustration is understandable, more likely than not, the kids are only interested in playing with dolls and creating an imaginative world while interacting with other children.
There are many benefits of playing with dolls. The creativity choices are endless while playing with Barbie’s, such as mixing and matching outfit with accessories. This helps build motor skills, figuring out how to get little legs and arms into clothes, along with little zippers and buttons. This also helps decision making skills of what outfit to wear to what occasion.
Outfits aren’t the only choices---how will Barbie’s house be decorated? Planning out where Barbie’s furniture should be placed is a creative and practical skills kids will develop through playing.
They also are in charge of what world they are creating. What is their setting? A birthday party, wedding or work? Endless possibilities of creative play while building their imagination.
Another form of creativity is who do you want your Barbie to be—an astronaut, doctor, chef, firefighter, and many more careers—many male dominated careers. Barbie encourages that you can be whoever you want! The option of endless scenarios while playing exercises your child’s imagination and storytelling skills.
Problem solving skills will be developed-- What if Barbie doesn’t have anything to wear to the ball. Will her sister, Skipper lend her a dress? How will Barbie react when Ken convertible gets a flat tire?
These are just a few ways that children are able to have a learning experience while playing with Barbie dolls. Join us at the Museum of Visual Materials to play with our Handmade 5ft x 8ft, 16 room doll house filled with Barbie’s and all of her and Ken’s accessories!
NOTE: Happen to have extra or unused Barbie’s at home? We’re also happy to take donations to keep our doll house a full house! Give us a call for more information.